Black barrels discovered on Sauvie Island beach near Portland

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Coast Guard, Oregon State Department of Environmental Quality, the EPA Criminal Division, and Multnomah County Sheriffs Office are investigating approximately 50 black plastic 55 gallon barrels discovered on a Sauvie Island beach on the Willamette River Tuesday.

Coast Guard Sector Portland received notification from National Response Corporation Environmental Services that one of their employees was jogging on Sauvie Island and found the barrels lying on the beach along the Willamette River at approximately 11 a.m. The barrels did not possess any identifiable markings or labels.

Two Coast Guard pollution investigators attempted to determine the origin of the barrels and if any of the barrels contain hazardous materials. The Coast Guard has hired a contractor to recover and dispose of the barrels.

The Coast Guard reminds the public to report all suspected hazardous material releases or pollution incidents to the National Response Center and the Coast Guard. The National Response center can be reached toll free at 1-800-424-8802.